So I've officially been in post for two weeks. One week spent mainly on a course and then this week.
Time to try to get out and about in the town and among the church folk. A visit to the Scrabble group on Monday afternoon & Small Talk on Thursday afternoon - good opportunities to let my face be seen and hopefully let those who don't see me on Sundays realise that I'm fairly human and that a dog collar doesn't make me unapproachable. Both groups consist mainly of non-Sunday attenders and I don't think either group would consider themselves 'Church'. But both meet on Church premises and both are listed as church activities. They also both at first glance appear to be communities with people who support each other outside of the meeting place. Interesting.
I've also visited three sets of people at home. One housebound elderly lady with early Alzheimer's and have arranged to take her Home Communion - along with her Pastoral visitor.
I dropped in on a family whose husband/granddad had been to hospital for tests, and also had a great evening meal & conversation with a couple who are feeling God is calling them to use their many gifts for something other than youth work which they have been doing for many years.. Exciting times!
I've also prepared Sunday worship, and something for a Harvest 'service' for an old folk's club next week.. I've been invited to go to that with the organist who was already booked to be there.
But perhaps the most testing thing this week has been that my colleague's son has been diagnosed with testicular cancer and has had to have emergency surgery. I can't begin to imagine the stress he and his wife have been under. The operation has gone well and scans have been encouraging so hopefully the prognosis is good. Communication by text message with someone I don't know terribly well has been challenging - getting the 'tone' right is so hard.
Nothing quite beats face to face encounters and hopefully that can be a major part of my ministry here - even though I don't always find it easy - I must try to,remember it's a whole load easier than texting!
Saturday 22 September 2012
Saturday 15 September 2012
There for a season
No sooner had the induction service finished, the curry been eaten and mother waved goodbye to, than I was on my way to Belsey Bridge Conference Centre in Ditchingham for the Eastern Synod Ministers' Get Together!
An annual event, the timing was actually perfect for me, as I had time to reflect on my change of role and church.
Speakers Ann Morisy and Roy Crowne were inspiring and challenging on the subjects of community mission and an ageing population. Just what I need to be thinking about.
The chance to catch up with colleagues was much appreciated and I guess will be even more important next year after a year of working on my own. I know that I have Stephen as a colleague but it won't be as close a working relationship as that I had with Sam.
It was interesting to reflect on the difference in my feelings and confidence to those I had just days after my ordination at a similar Get Together in 2009. Then I felt lonely and all at sea. This time I felt I belonged and hope I in some small way helped Melanie to feel part of the group. She was ordained on Saturday.
It was good to hear of people's plans for the future, and how they were working.
A good time and hopefully I can bring much of what we heard about and talked about back to Needham
An annual event, the timing was actually perfect for me, as I had time to reflect on my change of role and church.
Speakers Ann Morisy and Roy Crowne were inspiring and challenging on the subjects of community mission and an ageing population. Just what I need to be thinking about.
The chance to catch up with colleagues was much appreciated and I guess will be even more important next year after a year of working on my own. I know that I have Stephen as a colleague but it won't be as close a working relationship as that I had with Sam.
It was interesting to reflect on the difference in my feelings and confidence to those I had just days after my ordination at a similar Get Together in 2009. Then I felt lonely and all at sea. This time I felt I belonged and hope I in some small way helped Melanie to feel part of the group. She was ordained on Saturday.
It was good to hear of people's plans for the future, and how they were working.
A good time and hopefully I can bring much of what we heard about and talked about back to Needham
Friday 14 September 2012
Something Old - Something New
Well, what a fabulous send off from the West Suffolk Group. A sumptuous 'Bring and Share Tea', with so much food that I swear people returned home with more leftovers in their 'doggy bags' than they came with. It was a case of bringing 6 cheese scones and taking two Victoria sponges home!
Fortunately there wasn't an embarrassing photo display or party games, instead Sam gave an account of all that I had done in the three years - far more than I had realised, and I think, more than many there had realised too!
There were representatives from almost all the churches, and one of the folk whom I had visited regularly had been brought to the hall to share in the celebration tea. It was lovely to see little Helen - small in stature but a huge inspiration and blessing to me over the time in WSG.
And then there was the cheque - a most generous gift - far in excess of anything I could have considered. So fgenerous in fact, that it has enabled me to purchase the iPad I am writing this blog on.
And so, I left the WSG on the Saturday and led worship at Christchurch Needham Market on the Sunday. To be honest, I was rather nervous - but very soon be came of a spirit of welcome, of friendship, and of hope as the service was underway. Playing Gloria Gaynor's 'I am what I am' was risky but I think I got away with it!
And then a week later and it was the Induction service - the church was full the singing was fantastic, the sermon thoughtful and inspiring, and the messages of goodwill for the future were immense.
It was good to have Mum with me, and I really appreciated her gift of the Bible & Psalter Dad had given her when she was young. It would have been so good to have had him there as well.
The rest of the family - Helen, Conor, Monica & Alan were also there along with Hilary & Trevor who are family in all but name.
The presence of good friends like Kate & Sal, Mark and Andrew helped to make it an unforgettable evening. The Curry we shared after the service just Boeing a perfect ending to a busy day.
And now the work begins - starting with listening to people - not rushing in with answers and with solutions. I've been re- reading 'Hitting the ground kneeling' by Stephen Cotterill - a book I think I should return to again before too long.
There is a sense that I am now in the right place, and although the WSG was great, it was a step along a journey which has brought me back to Needham Market. Yes, I'm still nervous- but not anxious. I wonder what plans God has for us - let's pray that we are all alert, all ready to listen and all ready to go where he leads us.
Fortunately there wasn't an embarrassing photo display or party games, instead Sam gave an account of all that I had done in the three years - far more than I had realised, and I think, more than many there had realised too!
There were representatives from almost all the churches, and one of the folk whom I had visited regularly had been brought to the hall to share in the celebration tea. It was lovely to see little Helen - small in stature but a huge inspiration and blessing to me over the time in WSG.
And then there was the cheque - a most generous gift - far in excess of anything I could have considered. So fgenerous in fact, that it has enabled me to purchase the iPad I am writing this blog on.
And so, I left the WSG on the Saturday and led worship at Christchurch Needham Market on the Sunday. To be honest, I was rather nervous - but very soon be came of a spirit of welcome, of friendship, and of hope as the service was underway. Playing Gloria Gaynor's 'I am what I am' was risky but I think I got away with it!
And then a week later and it was the Induction service - the church was full the singing was fantastic, the sermon thoughtful and inspiring, and the messages of goodwill for the future were immense.
It was good to have Mum with me, and I really appreciated her gift of the Bible & Psalter Dad had given her when she was young. It would have been so good to have had him there as well.
The rest of the family - Helen, Conor, Monica & Alan were also there along with Hilary & Trevor who are family in all but name.
The presence of good friends like Kate & Sal, Mark and Andrew helped to make it an unforgettable evening. The Curry we shared after the service just Boeing a perfect ending to a busy day.
And now the work begins - starting with listening to people - not rushing in with answers and with solutions. I've been re- reading 'Hitting the ground kneeling' by Stephen Cotterill - a book I think I should return to again before too long.
There is a sense that I am now in the right place, and although the WSG was great, it was a step along a journey which has brought me back to Needham Market. Yes, I'm still nervous- but not anxious. I wonder what plans God has for us - let's pray that we are all alert, all ready to listen and all ready to go where he leads us.
Tuesday 4 September 2012
Inbetween Times
As I write this I am in a state of transition.
I've officially left the West Suffolk Group of URCs having been given a great farewell tea and very generous gift - which has funded the purchase of the shiny new iPad on which I am currently writing this!
It's been a generally enjoyable three years. The people are without exception really lovely - well perhaps there are one or two exceptions, but let's not go into that - but the travelling and distance from the communities has been a real problem.
So now I prepare for my induction into Christchurch Needham Market on Sunday. It's what I could call my home church so I have to confess I'm wondering how the challenge of embracing the role change is going to work out. I led worship there on Sunday this week and have to confess I was extremely nervous. You only get one chance to make a first impression - but I think the service was well received and there were positive comments afterwards. I was slightly concerned about one particular lady - could she see me as 'minister' after just being Mary?
But yesterday - Monday- I received a fabulous email from her - saying how my appointment seemed to be an answer to prayer and the service on Sunday had reinforced some thoughts she had already had.
So two things to learn.
1: Trust God to know what he's doing. This appointment has never been my wish but is in response to discernment to God's calling
2: Slow down don't rush and presume
So in response to that last comment I am going to take time to read a little book I have call 'Hitting the ground kneeling' and take time to listen and observe instead of thinking I can make an impact from day one.
And maybe with the iPad to hand, I'll make more regular entries to this blog.
Who knows eh!!??!!
I've officially left the West Suffolk Group of URCs having been given a great farewell tea and very generous gift - which has funded the purchase of the shiny new iPad on which I am currently writing this!
It's been a generally enjoyable three years. The people are without exception really lovely - well perhaps there are one or two exceptions, but let's not go into that - but the travelling and distance from the communities has been a real problem.
So now I prepare for my induction into Christchurch Needham Market on Sunday. It's what I could call my home church so I have to confess I'm wondering how the challenge of embracing the role change is going to work out. I led worship there on Sunday this week and have to confess I was extremely nervous. You only get one chance to make a first impression - but I think the service was well received and there were positive comments afterwards. I was slightly concerned about one particular lady - could she see me as 'minister' after just being Mary?
But yesterday - Monday- I received a fabulous email from her - saying how my appointment seemed to be an answer to prayer and the service on Sunday had reinforced some thoughts she had already had.
So two things to learn.
1: Trust God to know what he's doing. This appointment has never been my wish but is in response to discernment to God's calling
2: Slow down don't rush and presume
So in response to that last comment I am going to take time to read a little book I have call 'Hitting the ground kneeling' and take time to listen and observe instead of thinking I can make an impact from day one.
And maybe with the iPad to hand, I'll make more regular entries to this blog.
Who knows eh!!??!!
Friday 18 May 2012
Forever Autumn
Today I visited one of our more eccentric church members - a German lady, 86 year old Gretchen - and her cat Autumn.
I blocked out the whole afternoon in my diary as you can never make a 'quick visit' to Gretchen!
The front door to Gretchen's flat was wide open and although I assumed this was because she was expecting me, I was cautious as I knocked on the door and entered. Gretchen has had some rather unsavoury neighbours in the past and part of me wondered what I would find when I went into the lounge.
But all was well and Gretchen was in the little kitchen which leads straight off the lounge.
It was obvious from the smell - rancid pet food and a cat smell - that Gretchen's cat Autumn was still part of the little family.
The smell together with the fact that Gretchen likes to keep warm and isn't in the least way houseproud - meant that as I was invited to sit down I was having trouble breathing!
'Can you take chives? I have homemade soup', called Gretchen from the kitchen.
My stomach heaved at the thought of eating and I hurriedly said- quite truthfully - that had eaten, and that no I didn't want a drink either!
The flat is to put it politely, cluttered and not particularly clean -there are stacks of papers, magazines and envelopes on every available surface. Chairs are covered with towels - which look as if Autumn has been sleeping on them - but Gretchen appears oblivious to this as is cheerful - although she suffers with many ailments - including her 'water works'
Conversation covered a number of topics connected with Gretchen's 'water works', and I was shown punnets of blueberries and cartons of Blueberry juice which would help with the problem, along with a multi-pack of toilet tissue purchased from Iceland in town as it was cheapest there and would be needed for the 'water works'!
Gretchen doesn't drink much tea but the Ringtons man delivers regularly to her - so I was given 320 tea bags to take to the church along with a large bag of sugar also deemed surplus to requirements!
As Gretchen has been to church on a Sunday for a while she decided that I was a safe person to take her weekly collection envelope with me to put in the offering this coming week - her loyalty and responsibility to the fellowship are quite commendable.
Conversation continued and I heard about Gretchen's nephew who lives in Australia but who is hoping to visit her when comes to Holland on business later this year. He and his friend took Gretchen to Berlin last year - they had a good time even though Gretchen had to be careful not to drink coffee or tea because of her water works! She also told me about ordering what she expected to be mango juice for breakfast in the hotel and being surprised by being served a piece of fruit!
I'd been there well over an hour and was beginning to try to take my leave when a face appeared at the window - it was Autumn wanting to be let in. The window was duly opened and Autumn clambered in to the encouragement of the promise of 'munchies'!
Autumn is a beautiful cat - the colour of autumn - shades of brown, and cream and is obliviously 'co-owner' of the flat.
As I left, Autumn followed me out with Gretchen who walked me to my car - along with the tea bags and sugar and offering money- Gretchen was going to visit an elderly lady in the next block of flats.
As I pulled away and drove home I reflected on this fiercely independent lady and her equally independent cat - they are both content - and OK, the flat is not pristine, but they are both thriving!
I blocked out the whole afternoon in my diary as you can never make a 'quick visit' to Gretchen!
The front door to Gretchen's flat was wide open and although I assumed this was because she was expecting me, I was cautious as I knocked on the door and entered. Gretchen has had some rather unsavoury neighbours in the past and part of me wondered what I would find when I went into the lounge.
But all was well and Gretchen was in the little kitchen which leads straight off the lounge.
It was obvious from the smell - rancid pet food and a cat smell - that Gretchen's cat Autumn was still part of the little family.
The smell together with the fact that Gretchen likes to keep warm and isn't in the least way houseproud - meant that as I was invited to sit down I was having trouble breathing!
'Can you take chives? I have homemade soup', called Gretchen from the kitchen.
My stomach heaved at the thought of eating and I hurriedly said- quite truthfully - that had eaten, and that no I didn't want a drink either!
The flat is to put it politely, cluttered and not particularly clean -there are stacks of papers, magazines and envelopes on every available surface. Chairs are covered with towels - which look as if Autumn has been sleeping on them - but Gretchen appears oblivious to this as is cheerful - although she suffers with many ailments - including her 'water works'
Conversation covered a number of topics connected with Gretchen's 'water works', and I was shown punnets of blueberries and cartons of Blueberry juice which would help with the problem, along with a multi-pack of toilet tissue purchased from Iceland in town as it was cheapest there and would be needed for the 'water works'!
Gretchen doesn't drink much tea but the Ringtons man delivers regularly to her - so I was given 320 tea bags to take to the church along with a large bag of sugar also deemed surplus to requirements!
As Gretchen has been to church on a Sunday for a while she decided that I was a safe person to take her weekly collection envelope with me to put in the offering this coming week - her loyalty and responsibility to the fellowship are quite commendable.
Conversation continued and I heard about Gretchen's nephew who lives in Australia but who is hoping to visit her when comes to Holland on business later this year. He and his friend took Gretchen to Berlin last year - they had a good time even though Gretchen had to be careful not to drink coffee or tea because of her water works! She also told me about ordering what she expected to be mango juice for breakfast in the hotel and being surprised by being served a piece of fruit!
I'd been there well over an hour and was beginning to try to take my leave when a face appeared at the window - it was Autumn wanting to be let in. The window was duly opened and Autumn clambered in to the encouragement of the promise of 'munchies'!
Autumn is a beautiful cat - the colour of autumn - shades of brown, and cream and is obliviously 'co-owner' of the flat.
As I left, Autumn followed me out with Gretchen who walked me to my car - along with the tea bags and sugar and offering money- Gretchen was going to visit an elderly lady in the next block of flats.
As I pulled away and drove home I reflected on this fiercely independent lady and her equally independent cat - they are both content - and OK, the flat is not pristine, but they are both thriving!
Tuesday 1 May 2012
'Digging a hole....'
What an interesting week last week was! At time I felt as if I was living in an episode of 'The Vicar of Dibley'!
To start with, there was the 'Saga of the Hole'.
My neighbour is having some work done on her house and needed to know where her mains water pipe and stopcock were. When I heard this I thought - 'I'd like to know where mine is too' - as around 5 years ago I'd tried to have a Water Meter fitted and Anglian Water couldn't find the Mains Water Pipe.
So a hole was dug - a large hole - but no pipes were found - although a broken telephone wire was discovered!
The hole remained for around 10 days - until two men and another digger arrived and eventually found the pipe. Bear in mind that we are in a drought at present - and the rain has been raining for a month - the hole was then full of water!
The contractors very kindly found my water main and fitted a stopcock for me too - so good to to discover people using common sense and doing something extra without having to go through a load of extra protocol!
The hole then had to be filled, so in the pouting rain on Thursday, there were two men - a big lorry and a bucket on a pole, emptying the hole of water and refilling it with soggy clay soil! Most amusing - but probably funnier at the time!
Ministry also had it's amusing moments - that sort of 'dark' humour shared by nurses, doctors, ministers ans undertakers!
I was to take a Sunday morning service at one of the village chapels (not originally on my timetable but my colleague had rather spectacularly double booked herself and was going to be in Ireland on Ministers' Spring School that morning).
It wasn't just a 'normal' morning service as immediately after the service we were to bury the ashes of the husband of a church member.
The day dawned and the forecast was for rain - what a surprise! But the sun was making a brave effort as I drove the 30+ miles through Suffolk. When I arrived at the chapel, the hole was dug in the church garden and all was well.
The Funeral Director - a man who wouldn't look out of place in a Dickensian Novel - arrived.
Carrying the Casket - a rather splendid light oak box complete with brass plaque on the lid - and sitting on a red velvet 'cushion.
The widow and daughter hadn't arrived yet and Mr Diggett (sic) was concerned that he hadn't informed them that he would have the casket with him - plus he didn't want to leave it outside.
The question was - where could he put it during the service - and would it matter is Betty saw it?
A good 5 minutes were then spent taking the oak casket around the small chapel trying to find a place where It would be out of sight. Lots of sitting in various pews and working out sight lines ensued!! And then Betty & her daughter arrived - Mr Diggett decided that honesty was the best policy and told them that he couldn't leave Arthur outside, so had brought him into church. 'That's lovely!', said Betty, he can share a service with us for the last time.
'Just as long as he doesn't get up and sing the final hymn - Arthur's hymn - 'Will your anchor hold' ' I thought to myself!
Apart from the organ not working - a suitable piano was employed instead - the service passed without incident - although Mr Diggett fell asleep during the sermon - at least his eyes were closed!!!
So we all went outside, and stood around the hole in the church garden - now surrounded by green astro turf. The sun had been overtaken by clouds and rain wasn't far off. I said the words, the casket was placed in the hole and I read a blessing - or at least I started to read a blessing - for just as I started the sun broke through the clouds and the birds started singing. I've no real idea what I actually said, but it was one of those moments in ministry where God's voice was heard and we all had a real sense of his presence as we said our farewell to Arthur.
There were other moments that week - namely the two old ladies in a home who discovered they'd gained an extra day - but I shall leave this post now - reflecting on two holes in the ground!
To start with, there was the 'Saga of the Hole'.
My neighbour is having some work done on her house and needed to know where her mains water pipe and stopcock were. When I heard this I thought - 'I'd like to know where mine is too' - as around 5 years ago I'd tried to have a Water Meter fitted and Anglian Water couldn't find the Mains Water Pipe.
So a hole was dug - a large hole - but no pipes were found - although a broken telephone wire was discovered!
The hole remained for around 10 days - until two men and another digger arrived and eventually found the pipe. Bear in mind that we are in a drought at present - and the rain has been raining for a month - the hole was then full of water!
The contractors very kindly found my water main and fitted a stopcock for me too - so good to to discover people using common sense and doing something extra without having to go through a load of extra protocol!
The hole then had to be filled, so in the pouting rain on Thursday, there were two men - a big lorry and a bucket on a pole, emptying the hole of water and refilling it with soggy clay soil! Most amusing - but probably funnier at the time!
Ministry also had it's amusing moments - that sort of 'dark' humour shared by nurses, doctors, ministers ans undertakers!
I was to take a Sunday morning service at one of the village chapels (not originally on my timetable but my colleague had rather spectacularly double booked herself and was going to be in Ireland on Ministers' Spring School that morning).
It wasn't just a 'normal' morning service as immediately after the service we were to bury the ashes of the husband of a church member.
The day dawned and the forecast was for rain - what a surprise! But the sun was making a brave effort as I drove the 30+ miles through Suffolk. When I arrived at the chapel, the hole was dug in the church garden and all was well.
The Funeral Director - a man who wouldn't look out of place in a Dickensian Novel - arrived.
Carrying the Casket - a rather splendid light oak box complete with brass plaque on the lid - and sitting on a red velvet 'cushion.
The widow and daughter hadn't arrived yet and Mr Diggett (sic) was concerned that he hadn't informed them that he would have the casket with him - plus he didn't want to leave it outside.
The question was - where could he put it during the service - and would it matter is Betty saw it?
A good 5 minutes were then spent taking the oak casket around the small chapel trying to find a place where It would be out of sight. Lots of sitting in various pews and working out sight lines ensued!! And then Betty & her daughter arrived - Mr Diggett decided that honesty was the best policy and told them that he couldn't leave Arthur outside, so had brought him into church. 'That's lovely!', said Betty, he can share a service with us for the last time.
'Just as long as he doesn't get up and sing the final hymn - Arthur's hymn - 'Will your anchor hold' ' I thought to myself!
Apart from the organ not working - a suitable piano was employed instead - the service passed without incident - although Mr Diggett fell asleep during the sermon - at least his eyes were closed!!!
So we all went outside, and stood around the hole in the church garden - now surrounded by green astro turf. The sun had been overtaken by clouds and rain wasn't far off. I said the words, the casket was placed in the hole and I read a blessing - or at least I started to read a blessing - for just as I started the sun broke through the clouds and the birds started singing. I've no real idea what I actually said, but it was one of those moments in ministry where God's voice was heard and we all had a real sense of his presence as we said our farewell to Arthur.
There were other moments that week - namely the two old ladies in a home who discovered they'd gained an extra day - but I shall leave this post now - reflecting on two holes in the ground!
Back Agin!
I can't believe that it's been so long since I posted on this Blog! Over a year - how awful!
But not really - it's been a good year - plenty of learning - plenty of hard work and loads of fun.
It's been a year in which I have really begun to grips with what it means to be a Minister - have grown in confidence and I hope, humility.
Being a Minister isn't about 'Me' but is about serving God. Now, at present that means in the West Suffolk Group of URCs - a great bunch of people (oh, they all say that about their church members don't they!) - and with a great colleague.
During the year, one of my colleagues retired and so there are two of us now - me at 50% and Sam 100%. With hindsight, we rather foolishly decided that we'd try to cover as much of David's 'work' as possible, and that together with some redistribution of the churches within the group has meant that 2012 is proving to be a testing year.
For me it means that instead of one service a month in Bury St Edmunds and one else where, I can be anywhere in the group I can be anywhere - and am! This means that my Sunday 'commute' is averaging 65miles and I'm afraid to say it's getting me down.
The distances, early starts and feeling that I'm 'just a visiting preacher' mean that this year is tough and not fulfilling - certainly from the worship leading point of view.
Last year - 2011 - I focused on two churches and really got to know the congregations - so much better for me - and for the congregations.
This frustration together with an appalling case of bullying in one of the churches (two Elders involved - resulting in three resignations and the 'bullied' Elder being fearful of the 'Bully')- means that this final year of my time in the WSG isn't particularly enjoyable.
I'm really not enjoying all the travelling and if I never had to travel on the A14 again that would be fine by me!!
If I was able to, I'd leave today - that sounds strong - but it's how I feel right now.
However, I have a commitment - particularly to my colleague - and I will stay until my time is up at the end of August - albeit with a heavy heart.
The only thing keeping me going is the prospect of a new appointment and a new start in September - at Christchurch (URC/Methodist) - which will have its challenges - but is only 5-6 miles down the road!
Well, that's enough of my moans - the next Blog will be a little more upbeat!
But not really - it's been a good year - plenty of learning - plenty of hard work and loads of fun.
It's been a year in which I have really begun to grips with what it means to be a Minister - have grown in confidence and I hope, humility.
Being a Minister isn't about 'Me' but is about serving God. Now, at present that means in the West Suffolk Group of URCs - a great bunch of people (oh, they all say that about their church members don't they!) - and with a great colleague.
During the year, one of my colleagues retired and so there are two of us now - me at 50% and Sam 100%. With hindsight, we rather foolishly decided that we'd try to cover as much of David's 'work' as possible, and that together with some redistribution of the churches within the group has meant that 2012 is proving to be a testing year.
For me it means that instead of one service a month in Bury St Edmunds and one else where, I can be anywhere in the group I can be anywhere - and am! This means that my Sunday 'commute' is averaging 65miles and I'm afraid to say it's getting me down.
The distances, early starts and feeling that I'm 'just a visiting preacher' mean that this year is tough and not fulfilling - certainly from the worship leading point of view.
Last year - 2011 - I focused on two churches and really got to know the congregations - so much better for me - and for the congregations.
This frustration together with an appalling case of bullying in one of the churches (two Elders involved - resulting in three resignations and the 'bullied' Elder being fearful of the 'Bully')- means that this final year of my time in the WSG isn't particularly enjoyable.
I'm really not enjoying all the travelling and if I never had to travel on the A14 again that would be fine by me!!
If I was able to, I'd leave today - that sounds strong - but it's how I feel right now.
However, I have a commitment - particularly to my colleague - and I will stay until my time is up at the end of August - albeit with a heavy heart.
The only thing keeping me going is the prospect of a new appointment and a new start in September - at Christchurch (URC/Methodist) - which will have its challenges - but is only 5-6 miles down the road!
Well, that's enough of my moans - the next Blog will be a little more upbeat!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
